Hairston played in just two games before straining his left oblique on Apr. 5 and missing a month. The 33-year-old just completed a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse, though he went 1-for-10 with four strikeouts.

Acquired from the Chicago Cubs last July, Hairston hit .224 with two home runs and seven RBI over 33 games in a reserve role with the Nationals in 2013.

Outfielder Steven Souza was optioned to Syracuse to make room for Hairston on the active roster.